US Debt Crisis Averted.  In Thailand, Step Ahead keeps focused on critical challenges.

Perhaps the USA’s debt crisis is averted for the moment, but we are still focused on the poor, the vulnerable, and at-risk women and children in Thailand.

However, we currently face our own crisis in terms of operation funds for many of our core programs.  Step Ahead employs over 40 people either directly from the communities and villages we serve, or working for the communities we serve.  About half of these make ITSERA woven leather or woven bulrush purses to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Another half work with the little children of four villages in Khao Lak, Southern Thailand, while a handful work in program management and accounting to keep everything on track and moving forward.

In a word, we really need you to step ahead with us to stand with the families we serve.  Please join in the first annual funding drive that is running this month to ensure Step Ahead can continue to serve these critical needs and opportunities in Thailand.

Your monthly commitment can change the future of women micro-entrepreneurs in Bangkok, preschool children in the rural villages of Southern Thailand, or women and children at-risk of sexual exploitation in Pattaya. To join Step Ahead’s annual drive now click here.

Thanks for standing with us as we step ahead together.

John

Mother & Daughter Team

79 years old, Mrs. Jey Jaloeytham, weathers many challenges still living in Klong Toey community. Even with a number of health issues, she and her daughter pictured here, take care of three young nieces and a nephew.

An exemplar trustworthy client member since 2005, she first opened a small convenience store from their home with a $100 loan. After steadily developing the store for two years increasing stocks and selection, she and her daughter decided to also sell their delicious curry from Monday to Friday. Then, as they developed a committed clientele they seized the opportunity on weekends to sell BBQ Chicken as well. Now they have a diversified hot foods restaurant, and a grocery business which brings in a steady income flow. They generally now carry a $200 working capital loan. Now, over six loan iterations in 3 years demonstrating clear top level responsibility, virtually never missing a weekly payment, Step Ahead places top level trust in their business capacity, and integrity.

Weekly Step Ahead staff mentor and encourage Aunt Jey and her daughter’s ongoing success in business. Step Ahead is proud to stand with such a strong committed family and see their economic futures grow more secure.

Vimon and her husband

Living in Khongtoey community for 35 years, Mrs.Vimon Romphum joined as a respected community member client since the beginning of Step Ahead. Her first loan, for just under $100 was to sell second hand merchandise in the community. Later, her son had an idea to study Japanese food preparation, and now she makes and sells a delicious kind of Sushi in several weekly market fairs. Japanese Sushi is actually a new strongly developing cuisine in Thailand today, and the savvy recognition of this market opportunity opened bigger economic doors than she had ever seen before. Now, after 7 successful loans for working capital, she generally accesses just over $200 to keep her business moving forward.

Vimon says she knows she can trust Step Ahead to be with them, and appreciates how the staff regularly consult to help her succeed further. Her family feels far more economically secure today, compared to the past- at the mercy of the money lender.

The English Class

Six Step Ahead Thai staff are all in different places on the English language fluency continuum, however, what unites them all is their commitment to develop. Recently, Corinne from South Africa (on right) and Becky from the USA (not pictured) are helping Step Ahead staff speak better English.

Foot Massage Training

Foot Massage Training Relieves Stress for the Recipients, and Increases Economic Options for Current and Prospective Step Ahead Clients.

In May more than a dozen current and prospective clients received Reflexology (foot massage) training. Foot massage is currently a growing phenomenon in Bangkok, with few visitors leaving without enjoying at least one session, and local Thai and expatriates finding it a welcome relief from Bangkok’s daily stresses.